Businessman Peter Gillis is under considerable fire. A tour of the Eindhovens Dagblad shows that five mayors are investigating alleged abuses around his parks. He himself says that he does not lose sleep over it.
“I’ve heard the stories too, yes, and I know that all kinds of investigations are underway. That has been the case since the FIOD invaded here. I don’t recognize myself in the story.”
In 2019, the FIOD already raided the headquarters and various parks of his company. They suspected that Gillis was breaking the rules. They examined his records and investigated illegal occupation by migrant workers. The results of this research are not yet available.
“But I’m also an entrepreneur, so yes I do look for the edge at some point.”
According to the newspaper, Gillis would already raising a middle finger to the government for years and flouting rules. The ED spoke with about thirty people, including five mayors (Asten, Cranendonck, Loon op Zand, Terneuzen and Valkenswaard).
They indicate that Gillis illegally houses migrant workers and builds, expands and operates catering establishments without permits. Municipalities are going to battle with him through legal proceedings. They are supported in this by investigative agencies that investigate abuses around the parks.
Gillis: “I don’t recognize myself in those accusations at all. I have always been able to read and write with municipalities, but when they receive assignments nationwide, I don’t know what is happening either. But I am also an entrepreneur, so yes I do look for the edge at some point.”
“I sometimes have to be tough in business and then it sometimes hurts for such a family.”
In addition to migrant workers, more and more people would live permanently in the park. Tenants who do not pay will be cut off from gas, water and electricity until they pay again.
According to him, there is no question of illegal residence. “There will probably be a Pole renting a house, but that is not immediately illegal, is it.”
And if there are tenants who do not pay for gas, water or electricity, he will indeed close them off at some point. “We have permanent tenants and if they can’t pay, we can make agreements about that. But if people can buy an electric scooter for 800 euros, they can also pay me. I sometimes have to be tough in business and then it sometimes hurts for such a family.”
According to Gillis, he has already been convicted in the newspaper: “But it has to be proven first, so I look forward to the investigation with confidence.” At least he doesn’t lose sleep over it. “If I did, I might as well jump from ten high.”